What can suggest an author's intent in their writing?

The correct choice reflects the idea that an author's intent is most effectively conveyed through the overall theme and purpose behind their work. When analyzing a text, understanding its central themes allows readers to grasp the underlying motivations and messages the author aims to communicate. The overall theme encompasses not only the main ideas presented but also the emotional and intellectual responses the author seeks from the audience.

Other factors, such as text structure, vocabulary, and literary devices, certainly contribute to how a piece of writing is constructed and perceived, but they do not uniquely encapsulate the author's intent as effectively as the theme and purpose do. For instance, while vocabulary and word choice can enhance the tone of a piece, they might not directly indicate what the author intends to accomplish with their writing. Similarly, literary devices can enrich the narrative but may serve different purposes in various contexts. By focusing on the overall theme and purpose, readers get a clearer insight into the author's message and motivation behind the text.